Leading Melbourne architect, Rob McGauran, joined Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Board in 2018 after seeing first-hand the Foundation’s commitment to preventing homelessness.
Rob has a special interest in homelessness and affordable housing and is Chair of the Foundation’s Impact Area. Rob has worked on some of Melbourne’s most important architectural projects but one project that stands out for Rob is his work on the redevelopment of Ozanam House in North Melbourne.
“The
Ozanam House redevelopment was one project I felt very passionately about. I believe that everyone should have access to safe and secure housing and I was convinced that the project would deliver both important homelessness services and housing pathways,” said Rob.
“Through its own research, the Foundation understood this need and became the first philanthropic funder of this redevelopment project which has now become a key part of Melbourne’s Homelessness Services Infrastructure. I was impressed by the vision and boldness of the Foundation to tackle Melbourne’s ongoing social problems.”
Rob has been supporting the charitable sector since he graduated from university and in 2018 established a Charitable Fund Account with the Foundation.
“At the time of graduation, I reflected on the good fortune that had come to me through scholarships and the generous early career support I received. Establishing a Charitable Fund Account was an opportunity to leverage my own capacity for giving with meaningful impact.”
Rob said that he had increased his giving and volunteering of his professional time as his financial circumstances improved.
“I now direct my giving to three areas of interest including education, supporting Melbourne as a creative city as well as homelessness and affordable housing.”
Rob’s Charitable Fund Account has also provided an opportunity for his family to create an intergenerational giving plan to make a long-term contribution to the Melbourne community they appreciate.
“As a family, we recognise that Melbourne as a city has given so much to us, and we now have an opportunity to support Melbourne to become a liveable city for all people today and in the future.”